Youth News
Introducing Hunter Thomas of Newkirk, Oklahoma FFA's Northwest District Star in Ag Placement
Tue, 04 Apr 2017 13:06:58 CDT
During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report will be spotlighting the twenty District Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization. The stars come from the five districts in four categories- Star in Ag Placement, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Production Agriculture. We are beginning our series of profiles of the District Stars with the five district winners in Ag Placement. The top individuals in this category have been employed within the agricultural community- and are judged on the success of their work program. The member's placement experience can include paid labor hours or directed laboratory unpaid labor hours.
Hunter Thomas of the Newkirk FFA Chapter, is the second of five District Stars in Ag Placement being featured on the Oklahoma Farm Report this week. Thomas has worked his way up the ladder in the custom harvest business since first entering the field at 14 years old, as an employee of L&L Custom Harvesting based out of Newkirk, Okla.
"I've built my way up to be one of the key assets in it, going around the state harvesting, getting these contracts with farmers," he said. "Started out with some low pay jobs of working around odd jobs- I've kind of generated up to being one of our head service men, making sure those machines are in tip-top shape going out before our harvest jobs."
Thomas has also proven his abilities to be a point man when it comes to dealing with customers. His bosses Jordan and Chris Leven, often entrust Thomas with consulting existing and potential customers, making sure their needs are communicated to the team and met with the best service possible.
As a fairly young company on the harvesting scene, Thomas has experienced the company grow in its ability to offer harvesting services for a variety of crops including corn, wheat and just lately corn and sorghum silage, which Thomas says has taken off dramatically.
His time working for the Levens has helped Thomas to grow as a person that understands the values shared between one who follows, as an employee - and one who leads, as president of his FFA chapter.
"One of the things I've learned from Jordan and Chris Leven is - they put their trust in you, so you definitely need to work your butt off for them," he reflected. "Getting in those machines - it's hard work. But, when you're passionate about the agricultural lifestyle, it's something that you very much appreciate.
Judging land and livestock, public speaking, community outreach and mentoring newcomers to the FFA organization in his chapter's 8th Grade class, make up Thomas' involvement in the FFA organization. His future plans include graduating from Oklahoma State University with an Agribusiness degree, and potentially pursuing a career in law.
You can hear his entire conversation with Hays, by clicking or tapping on the LISTEN BAR below.
A complete list of the District Stars can be seen on the Oklahoma FFA website by clicking or tapping here.
Our salute of the 2017 District Stars of the Oklahoma FFA is brought to you by American Farmers & Ranchers, proud to support Oklahoma's youth. Visit the AFR website by clicking or tapping here to learn more on how AFR supports the young people of Oklahoma, and how AFR can provide you with quality insurance for you home, auto, farm, and life.
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